When most people hear the word “emergency,” one of the first thoughts that comes to mind is the cost. An unplanned major expense is difficult to consider, especially if you have a limited income. What should you do when you experience a dental emergency? This valid question is the focus of this article. The Placerville Dentistry Group wants to help you prepare for the unexpected and feel confident about seeking the dental attention you need to protect your oral health in an emergency situation.
Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies often occur at inconvenient times. Some produce extreme pain immediately. Others appear to be minor initially, but actually require a dental evaluation to determine the full extend of the damage. Here are examples of common symptoms that indicate a potential dental emergency:
- Sharp or persistent tooth pain
- Pus oozing from teeth or gums
- A knocked-out tooth
- Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
- Loose adult teeth
- Lost fillings or crowns
- Severe oral bleeding
- 3rd molar (wisdom tooth) pain
- Unresolved discomfort following a tooth extraction
The primary goals of emergency dental care are to identify the cause of the problem, repair it to relieve pain, to protect the natural tooth when possible, and to prevent the problem from spreading.
Dental Insurance and Emergency Treatment
Most dental insurance plans cover the specific services provided during an emergency visit. This could include the initial examination, x-rays, pain management, and necessary restoration materials. At worst, basic services such as fillings and simple extractions receive partial coverage. Complex services, such as crowns, bridges, or restorations, may require a copayment representing a percentage of the total cost. How much of a percentage? That depends on the insurance company and the coverage you have. For patients during emergencies, we produce workable solutions on the spot.
Placerville Dental Group Insurance Providers
The Placerville Dental Group works with more than twenty dental insurance providers and encourages patients to contact the office if they do not see their provider listed. Accepted plans include Aetna, BlueCross / Blue Shield, Cigna PPO, Delta Dental, Liberty, and UnitedHealthcare. For a full list of plans accepted, see our insurance page. Our experienced office staff regularly reviews individual patient benefits before starting treatment. Of course, during an emergency, the most important first step is getting the treatment you need. If you are already a client of the Placerville Dental Group, this process is fairly easy.
Options for Patients Without Dental Insurance
Not having dental insurance does not mean that you ignore an emergency. Dental injuries or problems that go untreated worsen over time. Early intervention affords patients more treatment options.
To ensure that our patients are able to receive the emergency care they need, the Placerville Dental Group also offers financing options through CareCredit and Proceed Finance. This allows patients to begin needed treatment and choose which type of financing option best fits into their personal budget. No upfront costs, no prepayment penalties, and up to 12 months with no-interest are available. To learn more, see our Financing page.
Prompt Care Protects Your Smile
Regardless of the timing of a dental emergency, prompt treatment makes a big difference. Timely therapy relieves pain, saves damaged teeth, stops infection, and often keeps a relatively inexpensive problem from turning into a costly one. The Placerville Dental Group is proud to provide quality emergency dental care and works to make care accessible to all our patients through accepted insurance plans and via financing options. If you may be experiencing a dental emergency, contact our emergency dentist in Placerville. Choose the Placerville Dental Group for prompt care with guidance on treatment options designed to fit your needs.
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